Roseanne Barr's axed sitcom could return after all - but this time, without the titular comedian.

The reboot of popular ‘90s show Roseanne was swiftly cancelled by American channel ABC last week, after Roseanne, 65, sent 'racist' tweets comparing Obama Barack’s advisor Valerie Jarrett to “an ape”.

According to reports in the US, actress Sara Gilbert - who plays Roseanne Connor’s daughter, Darlene, in the show - is being lined up for a brand-new spin-off series by Tom Werner, one of the producers.

TMZ claims that Sara, 43, has been contacting other members of the cast to “gauge their response” about the idea and it’s been met with a positive response.

Sara Gilbert - who plays Darlene - is said to be getting a spin-off show (Image: Getty Images North America)

The cast of Rosanne (Image: ABC)

Roseanne had initially been green-lit for another series. But following its cancellation, cast, crew, writers, producers and directors were also out of a job.

Roseanne later apologised, but blamed her offensive tweets on the fact she had taken Ambien, a brand of sleeping pills.

“Guys I did something unforgiveable so do not defend me," she wrote.

"It was 2 in the morning and I was ambien tweeting -- it was memorial day too -- i went 2 far & do not want it defended -- it was egregious Indefensible. I made a mistake I wish I hadn't but...don't defend it please."

Roseanne has blamed sleeping pills for her tweet (Image: AFP)

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A spokesperson from Sanofi, the manufacturors of Ambien, gave perhaps the best corporate response of all time: "While all pharmaceutical treatments have side effects, racism is not a known side effect of any Sanofi medication."

Meanwhile, Sara - who executive produced the new series - spoke out to condemn her castmate’s views.

“Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least," she said.

John Goodman - who plays Roseanne’s husband, Dan - was a bit more tightlipped when asked about his thoughts: "I’d rather say nothing than to cause more trouble."